Good afternoon everyone! We continue to track light snows progressing through portions of NE (especially the western half) and the southern two rows of counties in IA. Light rain showers can be found just south of this area in far northern MO. Expect as we continue through the remainder of the afternoon into the evening that snows gain coverage with the best focus in a corridor from western/southern NE through southern IA and far northern MO.
Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect across the western portions of NE until 10pm EST this evening and across far southeastern NE, far southwestern IA and far northwestern MO (north of St. Joseph) through 1am EST tonight. While not under advisories, still continue to expect snow in additional portions of southern NE and southeastern IA/far northeastern MO.
Simulated radar through 12pm CST Sunday: A corridor of snows will continue to slowly develop along a frontal boundary draped from western NE through southern NE, far northern KS and the southern third of IA into far northern MO through the next several hours. Small patches of rain can be noted in far northern MO currently and we expect this trend to continue through the next few hours. This narrow band of snow will slowly work ESE through the remainder of the evening into the overnight hours, with snow coverage decreasing in western NE early tonight while snows clip the far northern portions of KS/MO. It is possible that a few patches of flurries and freezing drizzle are possible in western/southern KS into tonight given a slight warm layer aloft and cold air at the surface. Progressing into Sunday morning, a majority of the snows will have exited NE, KS and southern IA with remaining light snows in the northern third of MO. These snows will gradually fade and exit to the east by 12pm CST Sunday. Reduced visibilities and blowing are likely as a result of winds gusting upwards of 30mph at times. Definitely be mindful of slick spots as this band of snow works through the previously specified areas. To the south in far southeastern KS into southern MO, an additional wave of light rains and drizzle will work in late tonight.
As discussed in this morning’s update, an area of frontogenesis (developing boundary that aids in lift) will set up in the general vicinity of the IA/MO border into southeastern NE this evening (first image). This will aid in the development of a band of snow that stretches across these areas. The second image depicts total snowfall through Sunday morning. Snow accumulations of 1-3″+ is likely in the general area of frontogenesis and extending westward into western NE. Pending the magnitude of forcing and temperatures falling into the 20s, pockets of ~4″ of snow are possible (mainly along the IA/MO border).
Besides snow, another threat for portions of the region this evening into tonight is the development of fog (particularly in eastern/southeastern MO). This area recently saw significant snows, and with the snow melting and leaving low-level moisture around, areas of fog are possible. During the course of the night, a good portion of the fog will fade but we may still see some patchy fog across far southeastern MO even into Sunday morning.
An error was noted in this morning’s wind forecast graphic for KS, MO and NE and a corrected version is shown below:
If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out! Have a rest of your day!